How to win a project before you even submit your price

1. Respond quickly and professionally

First impressions count. When a client sends an enquiry, a slow reply makes it look like their project is at the bottom of your list.

A quick, professional response shows:

• You’re organised

• You value their time

• You’re serious about the job

Even a short “Got your drawings, I’ll come back to you by Friday” keeps you in their good books.

2. Make sure you understand the brief

Rushing into an estimate without fully understanding the drawings, scope, or client expectations is a recipe for pain later.

Before you price, take time to:

• Ask smart questions

• Flag missing info early

• Clarify any grey areas

Clients love builders who spot issues before they become expensive mistakes.

3. Build trust before numbers

People don’t just buy the cheapest quote - they buy the builder they trust the most.

You can start building that trust by:

• Sharing similar projects you’ve delivered

• Being upfront about timelines and process

• Showing transparency in how you work

4. Present yourself like a pro

You might be the best builder in town, but if your emails look messy, your documents are hard to follow, or your quotes are scribbled on the back of a napkin, you’ll lose to someone who looks more professional.

Polished presentation = confidence in your ability to deliver.

5. Show you’ve got a process

Clients want to feel like they’re in safe hands. By explaining how you’ll handle their project step by step, you prove you’re not winging it.

This could be as simple as:

1. Review drawings

2. Send out subcontractor packages

3. Pull everything together into a detailed estimate

4. Present and explain clearly

Suddenly, you’re not “just another builder” - you’re the one with a system.

6. Add value early

Even before estimating, you can stand out by offering small wins:

• Suggesting design tweaks that save money

• Flagging planning risks

• Helping the client prioritise their budget

Little bits of extra advice make you memorable - and more likely to be trusted when it comes down to choosing a contractor.

Final thoughts

Winning projects isn’t just about the bottom line, it’s about trust, clarity, and professionalism. Nail those before you even send your estimate, and you’ll find yourself landing jobs without having to be the cheapest.

At CORE, we help builders not only with the numbers, but also with the process that wins clients over. Want to look like the pro in the room before you’ve even opened Excel? Let’s chat.